Chelsea manager
Andre Villas-Boas paid tribute to his side’s mental strength after they came from behind to beat West Brom 2-1.

An Alex error gifted the Baggies’ Shane Long a goal after just four minutes and the Blues boss was so concerned he changed tactics and personnel before half-time, with Florent Malouda replacing Salomon Kalou after just 35 minutes.

Florent Malouda was Chelsea’s super-sub (PA)

Nicolas Anelka equalised with a deflected shot in the 53rd minute and heavy Chelsea pressure finally paid off with just seven minutes to play when Malouda netted from Jose Bosingwa’s cross to clinch all three points.

Villas-Boas refused to take personal credit for the victory and insisted it was a change in attitude rather than formation that had made the difference.

‘Their mental attitude for the second half was good,’ said the ex-Porto coach.

‘There was a sense of realising the space and better options without being anxious like they were in the first half. It goes down to them.’

He added: ‘It was a difficult game. The first goal was very early and the crowd became anxious and that passed on to the pitch.

‘We had to remove the anxiety and be mentally tranquil. The players were able to free themselves from that and work at their best.’

Malouda, however, was quick to praise his new manager for Chelsea’s victory.

‘I think we had to change something in the first half. The manager put me in and I tried to make chances with more crosses,’ he told ESPN.